Garment pairing device

ABSTRACT

A combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device for a first garment and a second garment having first and second attaching devices, and first and second cushions. Also, a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device for a first garment and a second garment having first and second attaching devices, where the first and second attaching devices have first and second overall shapes, and where the first and second overall shapes are first and second symbols. Further, an elastic loop garment pairing device for a first garment and a second garment having a first elastic loop on the first garment, a second elastic loop on the second garment, and a securing device on the first elastic loop, where the securing device may be inserted into the second elastic loop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a garment pairing device. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device, a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device, and an elastic loop garment pairing device.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] During laundering, it is desirable to attach together paired garments, such as socks. Many devices have been proposed for this purpose. However, many of these devices are uncomfortable to wear, are unattractive, do not specifically promote use by children or simply do not work well after repeated washing and drying.

[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,413, issued Aug. 13, 1991 to Ursino, describes a sock fastening means. U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,524, issued Oct. 26, 1999 to Becker et al., describes a pair of separably joined socks or stockings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,294, issued Mar. 7, 2000 to Dean, describes a fastener for mating pairs of clothing items. U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,659, issued May 30, 2000 to Reichle, describes a device for sorting socks.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,241, issued Jul. 25, 2000 to Bellet, describes sock mates. U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,751 B1, issued Feb. 13, 2001 to Mason, describes releasably engagable socks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,158 B1, issued May 29, 2001 to Barbara, describes a sock clip assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,420 B2, issued Apr. 23, 2002 to Jossi, describes a fastener and a two-piece clothing comprising the fastener.

[0007] International Application No. WO 96/10345, published Apr. 11, 1996, describes a sock coupling device. International Application No. WO 96/26656, published Sep. 6, 1996, describes a sock tab with mating fastening means. United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2,327,856, published Feb. 10, 1999, describes a pair of interconnectable socks.

[0008] Other patents showing devices for socks include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,126, issued Aug. 15, 1978 to Traenkle, describes a within-the-shoe sock having a removable retaining device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,555, issued Aug. 28, 1979 to Boxer et al., describes hook-and-pile strips for socks and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,389, issued Jul. 28, 1987 to Callender, describes a garment connector.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,855, issued Jun. 21, 1994 to Ciuffo, describes a fastening system for pairing socks, hosiery and gloves. U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,660, issued Oct. 25, 1994 to Smith, describes a sock pairing apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,809, issued Nov. 29, 1994 to Ross, describes an easy identification of socks.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,541, issued Dec. 3, 1996 to Christy et al., describes sock tabs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,748, issued Mar. 21, 2000 to Durney et al., describes a laundry holder with sock snare. U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,183 B1, issued Jun. 19, 2001 to Haas-Laursen, describes secured infant socks.

[0011] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a garment pairing device solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to a combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device for a first garment and a second garment having first and second attaching devices, and first and second cushions. The cushion of the combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device surrounds the attaching devices, is substantially toroidal in shape, is attached to two layers of each garment, and/or may be attached between two layers of each garment. The garments may be socks.

[0013] Also, the present invention is directed to a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device for a first garment and a second garment having first and second attaching devices, where the first and second attaching devices have first and second overall shapes, and where the first and second overall shapes are first and second symbols. The attaching devices of the combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device may have protrusions and depressions, and the first symbol may correspond with the second symbol. The combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device may also have any or all of the features of the combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device.

[0014] Further, the present invention is directed to an elastic loop garment pairing device for a first garment and a second garment having a first elastic loop on the first garment, a second elastic loop on the second garment, and a securing device on the first elastic loop, where the securing device may be inserted into the second elastic loop.

[0015] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device for a first garment and a second garment.

[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device for a first garment and a second garment.

[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide an elastic loop garment pairing device for a first garment and a second garment.

[0018] Still another object of the invention is to provide a garment pairing device with a cushion which surrounds an attaching device.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a garment pairing device according to the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device according to the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a section view along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a section view along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a section view along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device according to the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a section view along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a section view along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 6.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an elastic loop garment pairing device according to the present invention.

[0030] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The present invention is directed to a garment pairing device. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device 10, 20 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device 110, 120 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, and an elastic loop garment pairing device 200 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0032] The combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device 10, 20 is useful in that a person 1 can easily match and temporarily attach together a first garment A and a second garment B prior to washing the garments in a washing machine 3 and/or prior to drying the garments in a dryer. The person 1 may also be a wearer of the garments A, B. The combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device 10, 20 further protects the skin of the person 1 with cushions 50, 60, described in greater detail below.

[0033] In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device 10, 20 is provided for a first garment A and a second garment B. The first garment A and the second garment B may be any pair of garments which are typically worn at the same time or meant to be paired together, such as a pair of socks. Other examples may include athletic equipment, gloves, anklets, bracelets, knee pads, shin guards, elbow pads, and a shirt or blouse that is intended to be worn with a particular pair of pants or slacks.

[0034] The device 10, 20 comprises a first attaching device 30, a second attaching device 40, a first cushion 50, and a second cushion 60. The first attaching device 30 is adapted to be attached to the first garment A and is adapted for attaching the first garment A to the second garment B. The second attaching device 40 is adapted to be attached to the second garment B and is adapted for attaching the second garment B to the first garment A.

[0035] The first and second attaching devices 30, 40 may be any suitable devices for releasable engagement with one another. The first and second attaching devices 30, 40 are desirably suitable for repeated use in a washing machine and/or dryer. The first and second attaching devices 30, 40 may be attached such that the engaging surfaces face inward or outward with respect to the skin of the person 1 wearing the garments.

[0036] For example, releasable fasteners may be used. Such releasable fasteners are described in detail, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,413, issued Aug. 13, 1991 to Ursino, which is incorporated by reference herein. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the first and second attaching devices 30, 40 may be attached to the garments using any suitable means of attachment including the use of retainers 35, 45. This means of attachment is described in detail in the Ursino patent at FIG. 4 and at col. 2, lines 45-53.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the first cushion 50 is adjacent to the first attaching device 30, and the second cushion 60 is adjacent to the second attaching device 40. The cushions 50, 60 are provided adjacent to the attaching devices 30, 40 so that the skin of the person is protected from the attaching devices 30, 40. The cushions 50, 60 are desirable in that the attaching devices 30, 40 are often made of a hard material, such as plastic or metal.

[0038] The cushions 50, 60 are desirably made of any suitable material, such as fabric, cotton, plastic, rubber, nylon or the like. The cushions 50, 60 simultaneously provide a cushioning effect, permit the attachment of the first attaching device 30 and the second attaching device 40, and are able to withstand repeated washing and drying.

[0039] The cushions 50, 60 may completely surround the attaching devices 30, 40 in at least the X and Y directions. The cushions 50, 60 may be provided to be sufficiently thick so as to surround the attaching devices 30, 40 in the Z direction or at least thick enough so that the outside surfaces of the garments A, B extend beyond the attaching devices 30, 40 in the Z direction.

[0040] By providing the cushions 50, 60 in this manner, the present inventor has found that the cushions 50, 60 prevent the attaching devices 30, 40 from contacting, or causing pain or irritation to, the skin of the wearer of the garment. For example, the present inventor has found that the skin of the wearer of a pair of socks including the cushions 50, 60 of the present invention is still protected even when boots are worn over the socks and laced up tightly against the socks. Even when boots are not worn, socks provided with the cushions 50, 60 of the present invention provide a comfortable feel to the wearer of the garment. Similar positive effects are found when the cushions 50, 60 are used with other types of garments.

[0041] The first cushion 50 has a first substantially toroid shape, and the second cushion 60 has a second substantially toroid shape. The substantially toroid shape of the cushions 50, 60 may completely surround the attaching devices 30, 40 in at least the X and Y directions. The substantially toroid shape of the cushions 50, 60 may be provided to be sufficiently thick so as to surround the attaching devices 30, 40 in the Z direction, or may be at least thick enough so that the outside surfaces of the garments A, B extend beyond the attaching devices 30, 40 in the Z direction. The hole in the center of the substantially toroid shape is adapted to accommodate the attaching devices 30, 40.

[0042] The substantially toroid shape may be varied to suit the particular shape of the attaching devices 30, 40. For example, the XY cross-section (FIG. 4) and the YZ cross-section (FIGS. 3 and 5) of the substantially toroid shape may not be precisely circular. Also, when the cushions 50, 60 are made of a relatively soft material such as fabric or cotton, the substantially toroid shape may have some degree of variation, as would be expected from such a material. Nonetheless, the cushions 50, 60 are desirably toroid in shape such that the material comprising the cushions 50, 60 surround the attaching devices 30, 40 in at least the X and Y directions and at least a portion of the Z direction.

[0043] The first garment A comprises a first inner layer A1 and a first outer layer A2, the first cushion 50 is adapted to be attached to the first inner layer A1 and the first outer layer A2, the second garment B comprises a second inner layer B1 and a second outer layer B2, and the second cushion 60 is adapted to be attached to the second inner layer B1 and the second outer layer B2.

[0044] In FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the cushion 50 is shown attached to both the layers A1, A2, and the cushion 60 is shown attached to both the layers B1, B2. However, the cushion 50 may be attached to either of the layers A1, A2, and the cushion 60 may be attached to either of the layers B2, B2. In other words, the cushions 50, 60 may be attached on the inside surfaces of the garments A, B (not shown) such that they are adapted for direct contact with the skin of the wearer.

[0045] Although shown as a pair of socks in the drawings, the first garment A may also be a first glove, a first anklet, a first bracelet, a first knee pad, a first shin guard, a first elbow pad, a first paired garment or the like. The second garment B may be a second glove, a second anklet, a second bracelet, a second knee pad, a second shin guard, a second elbow pad, a second paired garment or the like.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device 110, 120 is similarly useful in that a person can easily match and temporarily attach together a first garment A and a second garment B prior to washing the garments in a washing machine 3 and/or prior to drying the garments in a dryer.

[0047] The combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device 110, 120 further provides the additional feature of symbol-shaped attaching devices 70, 80. The symbol-shaped attaching devices 70, 80 may be particularly useful as a learning tool for children. Specifically, the symbol-shaped attaching devices 70, 80 encourage children to assist in the task of doing the laundry by creating a game of matching the symbol shaped attaching devices 70, 80.

[0048] The symbol-shaped attaching devices 70, 80 may be any type of visual element which encourages children to put the socks together. The present inventor has found that the symbol-shaped attaching devices 70, 80 help children form a habit of putting socks together. For example, the use of letters, numbers, or different shapes help form the habit. At the same time, children using the present invention help with the laundry.

[0049] When using a unique pair of symbols for each pair of garments, the combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device 110, 120 has the further advantage of ensuring that pairs of garments are not mismatched. The symbol-shaped attaching devices 70, 80 may also display a company logo.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device 110, 120 is provided for a first garment A and a second garment B. The first garment A and the second garment B may be any pair of garments which are typically worn at the same time or meant to be paired together, such as a pair of socks.

[0051] The device 110, 120 comprises a first attaching device 70 and a second attaching device 80. The first attaching device 70 is adapted to be attached to the first garment A and is adapted for attaching the first garment A to the second garment B, and the second attaching device 80 is adapted to be attached to the second garment B and is adapted for attaching the second garment B to the first garment A.

[0052] The first and second attaching devices 70, 80 may be any suitable devices for releasable engagement with one another. The first and second attaching devices 70, 80 are desirably suitable for repeated use in a washing machine and/or dryer.

[0053] The first attaching device 70 has a first overall shape, the second attaching device 80 has a second overall shape, the first overall shape is a first symbol, and the second overall shape is a second symbol. The first and second symbols may be any pair of symbols which correspond with one another in a recognizable way.

[0054] For example, the first attaching device 70 may have a first overall shape which approximates the letter “A,” and the second attaching device 80 may have a second overall shape which also approximates the letter “A.” Any suitable symbol may be used, including numbers, mathematical symbols, geometric shapes, symbols with matching color combinations, words, phrases, sports equipment, fictional characters, cartoon characters, animal shapes, plant shapes, and the like.

[0055] Alternately, the first symbol may have a first overall shape which is the inverse shape of the second symbol which has a second overall shape. In other words, the first and second overall shape of the first and second attaching devices 70, 80 may comprise the means for attaching the first and second attaching devices 70, 80 to each other.

[0056] As another alternate, the first and second attaching devices 70, 80 may be joined together to form an overall shape which is recognizable. For example, the first attaching device 70 may have a first overall shape corresponding with the first half of a car, and the second attaching device 80 may have a second overall shape corresponding with the second half of the car. This feature is particularly useful when using the device 110, 120 as a learning tool for children and in order to facilitate the task of matching garments together prior to doing the laundry.

[0057] The first and second attaching devices 70, 80 may be permanently attached to first and second base members 74, 84 which are adapted for permanent attachment to first and second retainers 35, 45, respectively. Each of the attaching devices 70, 80 may be attached to the respective one of the base members 74, 84 using any suitable means of attachment including, for example, adhesive, a mechanical attachment and the like. Alternately, each of the attaching devices 70, 80 may be integrally formed with the respective one of the base members 74, 84. The base members 74, 84 may be attached to the retainers 35, 45 using any suitable means of attachment, including, for example, the means of attachment disclosed in the Ursino patent.

[0058] Further, the first attaching device 70 comprises a protrusion 72, and the second attaching device 80 comprises a depression 82 adapted to releasably engage the protrusion 72.

[0059] There may be a plurality of protrusions on the first attaching device 70 and a plurality of depressions on the second attaching device 80 which are arranged to correspond with the plurality of protrusions. The protrusion and depression may comprise further structural details to facilitate the attachment of the first and second attaching devices 70, 80.

[0060] The symbol-shaped fasteners 70 and 80 also preferably include the toroidal shaped cushions 50 and 60 disposed about the fasteners, as described above.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic loop garment pairing device 200 is similarly useful in that a person can easily match and temporarily attach together a first garment A and a second garment B prior to washing the garments in a washing machine 3 and/or prior to drying the garments in a dryer. The elastic loop garment pairing device 200 provides a highly effective means of temporarily attaching garments prior to placing the garments in a washer or dryer.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, an elastic loop garment pairing device 200 is provided for a first garment A and a second garment B. The first garment A and the second garment B may be any pair of garments which are typically worn at the same time or meant to be paired together, such as a pair of socks. The device 200 comprises a first elastic loop 95 adapted for attachment to the first garment A, a second elastic loop 100 adapted for attachment to the second garment B, and a securing device 90 adapted for attachment to the first elastic loop 95. The securing device 90 is adapted for insertion into the second elastic loop 100.

[0063] The elastic loops 95, 100 may be made of any suitable material which allows for resilient expansion and contraction and is suitable for repeated use in a washer and dryer. Such a material may be, for example, elastic nylon, bungee material, or the like.

[0064] The securing device 90 may be any suitable device for securely retaining the first and second garments A, B. The securing device 90 may be provided in any suitable shape and made of any suitable material. For example, the securing device 90 may be a disc-shaped piece of plastic. The securing device 90 may comprise holes 92 through which the first elastic loop 95 is inserted and then attached to the first garment A. Alternately, there may a pair of securing devices, one attached to the first elastic loop 95 and another attached to the second elastic loop 100.

[0065] The first elastic loop 95 may be attached to the first garment A using any suitable means, for example, the first elastic loop 95 may be sewn to the first garment A. Alternately, the first elastic loop 95 may be attached to the first garment A through openings (not shown). Similarly, the second elastic loop 100 may be attached to the second garment B using any suitable means, for example, the second elastic loop 100 may be sewn to the second garment B. Alternately, the second elastic loop 100 may be attached to the second garment B through openings 102.

[0066] In use, in order to attach the first and second garments A, B together, the person 1 doing laundry stretches the second elastic loop 100 around the securing device 90 and releases the second elastic loop 100 which returns to its normal, untensioned state. As the second elastic loop 100 returns to its normal, untensioned state, the second elastic loop 100 tightens around the first elastic loop 95 and provides a force against the securing device 90. As such, the garments A, B are secured together and are ready for laundering.

[0067] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A combined garment pairing and skin cushioning device for a first garment and a second garment, the device comprising: a first attaching device; a second attaching device, the first attaching device releasably engaging the second attaching device; a first cushion disposed about said first attaching device; and a second cushion disposed about said second attaching device; wherein the first attaching device is adapted to be attached to the first garment; wherein the second attaching device is adapted to be attached to the second garment; whereby the first and second garments are temporarily secured to each other by engaging the first and second attaching devices, the first and second cushions protecting a person's skin from irritation by the attaching devices when the garments are worn.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first cushion surrounds the first attaching device; the first cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the first attaching device and the second attaching device; the second cushion surrounds the second attaching device; and the second cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the second attaching device and the first attaching device.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first cushion has a first substantially toroid shape; and the second cushion has a second substantially toroid shape.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first garment comprises a first inner layer and a first outer layer; the first cushion is adapted to be attached to the first inner layer and the first outer layer; the second garment comprises a second inner layer and a second outer layer; and the second cushion is adapted to be attached to the second inner layer and the second outer layer.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first garment comprises a first inner layer and a first outer layer; the first cushion is adapted to be located between the first inner layer and the first outer layer; the second garment comprises a second inner layer and a second outer layer; and the second cushion is adapted to be located between the second inner layer and the second outer layer.
 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising the first garment and the second garment, wherein: the first garment is a first sock; and the second garment is a second sock.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first cushion surrounds the first attaching device; the first cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the first attaching device and the second attaching device; the second cushion surrounds the second attaching device; the second cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the second attaching device and the first attaching device; the first cushion has a first substantially toroid shape; and the second cushion has a second substantially toroid shape.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the first cushion surrounds the first attaching device; the first cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the first attaching device and the second attaching device; the second cushion surrounds the second attaching device; the second cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the second attaching device and the first attaching device; the first cushion has a first substantially toroid shape; the second cushion has a second substantially toroid shape; the first garment comprises a first inner layer and a first outer layer; the first cushion is adapted to be located between the first inner layer and the first outer layer; the second garment comprises a second inner layer and a second outer layer; and the second cushion is adapted to be located between the second inner layer and the second outer layer.
 9. A combined garment pairing and symbol-shaped device for a first garment and a second garment, the device comprising: a first attaching device; a second attaching device; wherein the first attaching device is adapted to be attached to the first garment and is adapted for attaching the first garment to the second garment; wherein the second attaching device is adapted to be attached to the second garment and is adapted for attaching the second garment to the first garment; wherein the first attaching device has a first overall shape; wherein the second attaching device has a second overall shape; wherein the first overall shape is a first symbol; and wherein the second overall shape is a second symbol.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first attaching device comprises a protrusion; and wherein the second attaching device comprises a depression adapted to releasably engage the protrusion.
 11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first symbol corresponds with the second symbol.
 12. The device according to claim 9, the device further comprising: a first cushion; and a second cushion; wherein the first cushion is adjacent to the first attaching device; and wherein the second cushion is adjacent to the second attaching device.
 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first cushion surrounds the first attaching device; wherein the first cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the first attaching device and the second attaching device; wherein the second cushion surrounds the second attaching device; and wherein the second cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the second attaching device and the first attaching device.
 14. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first cushion has a first substantially toroid shape; and wherein the second cushion has a second substantially toroid shape.
 15. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first garment comprises a first inner layer and a first outer layer; wherein the first cushion is adapted to be attached to the first inner layer and the first outer layer; wherein the second garment comprises a second inner layer and a second outer layer; and wherein the second cushion is adapted to be attached to the second inner layer and the second outer layer.
 16. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first garment comprises a first inner layer and a first outer layer; wherein the first cushion is adapted to be located between the first inner layer and the first outer layer; wherein the second garment comprises a second inner layer and a second outer layer; and wherein the second cushion is adapted to be located between the second inner layer and the second outer layer.
 17. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first garment is a first sock; and wherein the second garment is a second sock.
 18. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first cushion surrounds the first attaching device; wherein the first cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the first attaching device and the second attaching device; wherein the second cushion surrounds the second attaching device; wherein the second cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the second attaching device and the first attaching device; wherein the first cushion has a first substantially toroid shape; and wherein the second cushion has a second substantially toroid shape.
 19. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first cushion surrounds the first attaching device; wherein the first cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the first attaching device and the second attaching device; wherein the second cushion surrounds the second attaching device; wherein the second cushion is adapted to permit the attachment of the second attaching device and the first attaching device; wherein the first cushion has a first substantially toroid shape; wherein the second cushion has a second substantially toroid shape; wherein the first garment comprises a first inner layer and a first outer layer; wherein the first cushion is adapted to be located between the first inner layer and the first outer layer; wherein the second garment comprises a second inner layer and a second outer layer; wherein the second cushion is adapted to be located between the second inner layer and the second outer layer; wherein the first garment is a first sock; and wherein the second garment is a second sock.
 20. An elastic loop garment pairing device for a first garment and a second garment, the garment pairing device comprising: a first elastic loop adapted for attachment to the first garment; a second elastic loop adapted for attachment to the second garment; and a securing device adapted for attachment to the first elastic loop; wherein the securing device is adapted for insertion into the second elastic loop. 